Rabbi's Blog

Tifereth Israel Community,

Making final preparations for Shabbat always includes a look back at the week that was. This is even a Kavanah (an intention) that people have throughout Kabbalat Shabbat. They use each of the six Psalms to reflect on the six days of the week.

As I do so this week, it is impossible to not focus on the wonderful Shavuot observance we had beginning on Saturday night. Unfortunately I missed the last day, sick in bed, but I heard good things about it as well.

The first level of reflection is gratitude. The holiday would not have been so fulfilling and joyful without the efforts of many. First on the list is Mark Berch. To coordinate the Tikkun, Mark coordinates with representatives from Segulah, Oven Shalom, Fabrangen and Shirat Hanefesh. While we didn’t join with Ohev Shalom and Segulah this year, there was still much back and forth before that was decided. He then did a wonderful job soliciting leaders of our Tikkun sessions and slotting people into the various times. We studied all night with insightful presentations. I recognize how much time and effort goes into making this a reality and I share my thanks.

I also want to thank our service coordinators who, in addition to finding leaders for our regular Shabbat services, found people for Shavuot as well. Myrna Goldman (Pesukei D’Zimrah), Diana Zurer (Shacharit & Musaf), Simcha Kuritzky (Torah Readers), Barbara White (Haftarah) and Iris Lav (Floor Gabbai) are always at work filling the slots. I also thank those who continue to fill all the openings for service leadership.

As I mention each week, our services wouldn’t run without the participation and leadership of so many people. Thanks to all those who led services, chanted Torah & Haftarah and in any way stepped in to help run the services. Special for Shavuot was the chanting of the Book of Ruth (again something I missed) and am glad that we had Jevera Temsky, David Rubin, Rabbi Seidel and Myrna Goldman to read this year. In addition to those I’ve already listed, I want to thank Jason Kimelman-Block who serves as our Ritual Vice President. He is my partner in thinking through our services and discussing what needs to be taken care of in planning.

All of this coordination flows together, and through, the staff that supports us all. Jevera works with a remarkable team with Sheri, Delanie and (a new addition) Samer. A holiday, more so than even a regular Shabbat, has many moving pieces. The staff is constantly pivoting to face unexpected situations (like the air going out) and to do their best in supporting all the workings of the holiday while at the same time looking ahead to what’s next week, next month and next year.

So, I hope that people can carry into Shabbat the energy of Shavuot, which infuses us with Torah, gives us a jolt of Jewish wisdom and tradition and places on our lips sweet tastes of cheesecake and words of gratitude.

Thanks to all & Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Werbow